BATH

Thirteen-year old Brett Raio takes the top honors at this year’s Midcoast Maine’s Got Talent at the Crooker Theatre with his original song, “Better Days.”

This was Raio’s fifth year as a contestant and his first time winning the big award, which included a $500 cash prize. Raio intends to use the prize money to complete a CD of his original music and will donate a portion to his youth group, he said.

First runner-up was vocalist Madeleine Blakemore, a Freshman from Brunswick High School, who sang “Think of Me” from Phantom of the Opera. Taking third place was a dance troupe called Tribe, who impressed the judges with their costumes, makeup and choreography.

The judges for the evening were Marc Dumont, a director and choreographer who teaches at University of Southern Maine; Kathy Greason, a director and judge of women’s barbershop choruses; and singer/songwriter John Dennen.

The judges narrowed down the field of contestants to the top three and the audience marked their ballots for the order of the winners.

The judges also recognized octogenarian wooden spoons player and audience favorite, Claude Bonang, who performed accompaniment to the “William Tell Overture.”

Sixteen contestants took part in this year’s competition. Fifteen-year old Ben O’Dell played a solo on electric guitar. Sierra Wallace, from Bath, strummed her ukulele while singing “Johnny Boy” and Miss Annabelle’s dance studio filled the stage with movement, among others. Rotarian

Curt Dale Clark, artistic director of the Maine State Music Theatre, served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Midcoast Maine’s Got Talent is offered as a community event as well as a fundraiser for local causes such as the Bike Rodeo and the Fourth of July Fun and Games on the Mall. For more information, go to brunswickmainero-taryclub.org. For pictures and other news of Midcoast Maine’s Got Talent, check out the Facebook page “Brunswick Rotary Club Midcoast Maine’s Got Talent.”

Copy the Story Link

Comments are not available on this story.